On-baller Ben Cunnington was one of North's better contributors in a poor display overall for a side with finals aspirations.

Thompson was booked after punching Cloke in the stomach during a marking contest in the first quarter. Cloke scored a goal from the subsequent 50-metre penalty and had two by quarter-time as the Magpies led 5.4 (34) to 2.3 (15).

Two goals to on-baller Dayne Beams and another two to Cloke helped the Magpies put another five majors on the board to hold a 10.6 (66) to 5.3 (33) advantage at half-time.